Tembo House Hotel is a mid-range boutique hotel occupying a handsome 19th-century building on the Stone Town waterfront one of the most historically atmospheric hotel positions in Zanzibar. The name Tembo is Swahili for elephant, referencing the carved elephant tusks that once lined the seafront approaches to the Sultan’s palace. The hotel’s coral stone building faces directly onto the narrow seafront promenade, with guest rooms enjoying views of Stone Town’s bustling harbour, the Indian Ocean, and the daily activity of the old dhow port. The hotel is one of the longest-established boutique hotels in Stone Town and retains an atmosphere of genuine Zanzibari character rather than generic resort ambience.
Spacious rooms are decorated in a classic Swahili style with four-poster beds, carved wooden furniture, and local textiles. The rooftop pool and sun terrace offer panoramic views over the Stone Town rooftops and the ocean beyond, and the ground-floor restaurant serves fresh Zanzibari seafood and international fare on the open terrace by the water. Tembo House is an excellent mid-range base for walking exploration of Stone Town’s UNESCO heritage district: the Forodhani gardens, old Fort, House of Wonders, and the Anglican Cathedral are all within a 10-minute walk.
Spacious rooms with four-poster beds, carved wooden furniture, Swahili textiles, and sea or courtyard views. En-suite bathrooms with shower; air conditioning; WiFi. Rooftop pool with ocean views.
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) is approximately 6km from Stone Town, a 15-minute drive. The hotel can arrange airport transfers. Stone Town’s ferry terminal is within walking distance of the hotel for guests arriving by sea from Dar es Salaam.
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